Getting to know the Philippines

What we know and what we thought we knew about Philippines

Introduction
The Philippines is a country we know just few facts such as it is a group of islands in the region of Pacific Ocean in Asia, they speak Spanish since they were part of Spanish colonies in the same way as Mexico; and lately, weve heard about Pacquiao, the fighter who was defeated by a Mexican boxer, was born there. My partner and I have never visited this country and weve never had the idea to visit it; however, if we had the opportunity to go there, we wouldnt lose it. In that case, we would like to have the idea of how the weather is in order to know what kind of clothing we need to take with us. The purpose if this report is getting to know more about this beautiful country in other aspects such as customs, good manners and the way these have influence in the Philippine society.

About the Philippines, we

KNOW Some inhabitans speak Spanish. Catholicism is the main religion. Pacquiao, the fighter who was defeated by a Mexican boxer, was born there. It is an group of islands. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW What are the most interesting places to visit? What kind of food do they have? Who was the founder of the first colony there? How is the educational system? How do they spend their free time? LEARNED Some interesting places to visit in the Philippines are: Intramuros, the walled city; the Chapel of San Pancratius and Rizal Park in Manila. Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain in 1521. Food in the Philippines is a mixture of different cultures influence. They have coconut, hot chili and mango from Malays; noodles and bean curds from Chinese and, of course, rice as any Asian country is included in the diet.

Good and bad manners abroad

Through this research we were discussing about bad and good manners that are followed internationally, we agree in the point of littering is punished in many countries; we should speak in a polite way to everyone and we must respect each country rules. In the other hand, we agree what we would upset if we ever visited another country is the fact that Arab people eruct after a meal to show they really enjoyed it.

While in Manila
Dos
Shake hands when you meet someone; start with elders if they are present.

Donts
Dont say no at the first time, when someone offers something to you.

You are allowed to arrive late to an informal appointment.

Dont be late on a business appointment.

You can leave a tip, if you wish. This is not obligatory.

Dont open a gift at the moment you are given with it.

Address people indicating his or her profession or last names.

Dont cause any damage, otherwise you must replace it.

A practical case in a visit to the Philippines

Please, click twice to listen to this case.

Conclusions
There are many countries in Asia where customs and good manners have influence in the society. The Philippines nation is not the exception. They respect others rights and possessions; the honor is a very important element in their lifestyle. The Philippines have influence from traditional cultures such as Malay, Chinese and Spanish (Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain in 1521.) It is possible to observe characteristics from those places not only in the society behaviour, but also in sites of historical interest, such as Intramuros, the walled city; the Chapel of San Pancratius and the Rizal Park. The food offers a variety of products that reflect the Philipine history : coconuts, chili, mango, rice, Chinese noodles and bean curds are included in the most traditional recipes in the Philippines.

Glossary
Due: caused by somebody/something; arranged or expected; when a sum of money is due, it must be paid immediately. Indemnify: to promise to pay somebody an amount of money if they suffer any damage or loss. Latter: being the second of two things, people or groups that have just been mentioned, or the last in a list. Negligence: the failure to give somebody/something enough care or attention. Liable: legally responsible for paying the cost of something. Prying (verb pry): to try to find out information about other people's private lives in a way that is annoying or rude. Meddling (verb meddle): to become involved in something that does not concern you. Vexing: to annoy or worry somebody.

Sources

Asian History http://asianhistory.about.com/od/philippines/p/philippinesprof.htm Retrieved on February 10th, 2013. Facts on Food and Beverage in the Philippines-USA Today http://traveltips.usatoday.com/food-beverage-philippines-16185.html Inforo Filipinas http://www.inforo.com.ar/atlas/filipinas_philippines Retrieved on February 10th, 2013. Local etiquette-Manila, Philippines Travel Guide Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztqGyFDlWHk Retrieved on February 09th, 2013. Manila sights http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/manila/sights/fortress/intramuros Retrieved on February 10th, 2013. Oxford advanced learners dictionary http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/Philippine Retrieved on February 10th, 2013. Places on line Chapel of San Pancratius http://www.placesonline.com/asia/philippines/manila/landmarks_and_historic_sit es/chapel_of_san_pancratius.asp Retrieved on February 10th, 2013.

Team members:
Ana Cecilia Buenrostro Mata. Diana Leticia Portillo Rodrguez.